3 Chiefs Veterans Who Will Be Cut Following the NFL Draft

3. Lucas Niang, OT

The Chiefs prioritized the offensive line at the 2024 NFL Draft, using three of their picks to fortify the frontline. They drafted BYU's Kingsley Suamataia with the 63rd overall pick in Round 2 before selecting Penn State's Hunter Nourzad with Pick No. 159 and Holy Cross' C.J. Hanson with Pick No. 248.

Needless to say, the incoming rookie reinforcements spell bad news for Lucas Niang.

Niang, who was drafted 96th overall by the Chiefs in 2020, has been tough to watch. The ex-TCU product's playing has declined with each passing year, forcing him to go from being a starter more often than not to an afterthought in less than three years.

Despite appearing in 14 games last season, Niang only played 58 offensive snaps without making a single start. He couldn't make the most of his limited opportunities, allowing three QB hits and one hurry while taking a penalty, too. Considering how important Patrick Mahomes is to the Chiefs' success, it wouldn't be shocking if they aren't thrilled with how Niang hasn't developed into anything more than Swiss cheese.

With Suamataia, Nourzad, and Hanson entering the O-line mix this summer, it's now or never for Niang to prove himself. The Chiefs can save about $1.1 million by cutting him this offseason, meaning they likely won't hesitate to give him the axe if he can't finally turn his career around soon.

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